Texans owner says other candidates will interview next week

Penn State coach Bill O’Brien may be the favorite to become the next head coach of the Houston Texans, but the team still plans to conduct more interviews next week.

That’s the word from Texans owner Bob McNair, who told John McClain of the Houston Chronicle that he has more interviews scheduled with head coaching candidates.

“The process continues. We have other interviews scheduled next week. It isn’t over,” McNair told McClain.

At least one of those interviews is expected to be with former Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt. Under NFL rules, Whisenhunt, who is now the Chargers’ offensive coordinator, can’t interview for the Texans job until the Chargers’ regular season is over.

In addition to their interest in O’Brien, the Texans have already interviewed former Bears coach Lovie Smith, as well as their own interim head coach, Wade Phillips.

For his part, O’Brien reportedly told recruits today, after ESPN reported that he was the overwhelming favorite to get the Texans job, that he is staying at Penn State. Of course, college coaches routinely tell recruits they’re not going anywhere, right up until the day they leave, so that doesn’t necessarily mean much of anything.

What we know for sure is that the Texans are currently the only NFL team with a head-coaching vacancy, but multiple other teams will join them within the next 48 hours. By firing Gary Kubiak during the season, the Texans got to start interviewing coaching candidates early. But they’re not done interviewing yet.

I like Mike Mularkey , and while I certainly respect that he’s a fine offensive mind , like Mike Nolan , he just doesn’t seem cut out for a head coaching gig. I do like Lovie Smith , though — as long as you make sure you have a high powered offensive coordinator in place (in other words , NOT like the Jets) , you should be fine.

doctorrustbelt says:Dec 28, 2013 9:02 PM

He’d be crazy not to hire lane kiffin.

craniator says:Dec 28, 2013 9:06 PM

@htowntexan: Hey , it could be worse ; you could have an owner force a QB down the coaching staff’s throat the way the Adams regime forced Vince Young on Jeff Fisher. I’m not saying McNair’s perfect , but he’s been generally pretty patient , from what I’ve seen . . . unlike a certain fellow who owns the NFL team up in D.C.

thefiesty1 says:Dec 28, 2013 9:17 PM

Mack Brown still hasn’t agreed to his new contract as Special assistant to the President at UT and is not happy with the offer as of now.

Texans can take all the time they need with their head start. They have what will almost certainly be the best position of all teams looking for coaches; good base roster, great draft, patient owner, good facilities/weather, no state tax, soft sports media market.

Texans should be able to have their pick of coach and would be foolish to grab one while so many candidates are off limits until their seasons end.

This is a great team and great opportunity for whatever coach they bring in. The defense and offense has a great core with really only big need is a qb. That’s great for a new head coach it throws out the whole bad sysytem for qb.

billh1947 says:Dec 29, 2013 7:50 AM

If they wait a few days Jim Shwartz will become available,he is a Texan and former Houston defensive coach,a perfect match.